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Fairy Queen (places of visit)

Location:	37-kms From Alwar, Rajasthan
Nearest Access:	Alwar [37-kms]
Main Wildlife Found:	Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs
Coverage Area:	765.80-sq-kms

About Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

Sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravallis dominate the landscape of Sariska, whose forests are dry and deciduous. Within the Sariska wildlife sanctuary there are the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor, belonging to the 10th and 11th centuries.

A 17th century castle on a sharp hilltop at Kankwari, provides a panoramic view of flying Egyptian vultures and eagles. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.

Major Wildlife Attractions

The Sariska park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found in large numbers around Talvriksh.

The avian world is also well represented with a rich and varied birdlife. These include Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Wood Pecker, Crested Serpent Eagle and the Great Indian Horned Owl.

Other Attractions in Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kankwari Fort : Among the historic landmarks located within the Sariska national park, includes the Kankwari For, where, Emperor Aurangzeb once imprisoned his brother, Dara Shikoh.

The Ancient Shiva Temples : Within the area of the Sariska tiger sanctuary, Neelkanth temples, that dates back to the 6th-13th century AD, now in ruins, afford a wonderful sight to the visitors.

The Palace : Sariska was known as the royal reserve of the rulers of Alwar. This palace built by the Maharajas of Alwar, has now been converted into a hotel.

ALWAR

FACTS & FIGURES

Area:	44.76 sq km
Language:	Hindi, Rajasthani and English
Best time to visit:	September-February
STD Code:	0144

INTRODUCTION
The city of Alwar is referred to as the gateway to the historic and colorful state of Rajasthan, which is located in the northwestern part of India. However, it is more than a mere gateway to the rich cultural treasure that lies beyond: Alwar has its own heritage, which goes back to the mythological legends of the Mahabharata. Alwar has had a chequered history and has been a witness to many rules and rulers. It offers the traveler many sites of historical importance. The ride on the special train, the Fairy Queen is an added attraction of Alwar.

LOCATION
Alwar city is located in the northeastern part of the state of Rajasthan. It lies 170 km south of Delhi and is 150 Km from Jaipur. It is flanked by the barren hills of the Aravali range. The climate of Alwar is temperate, but compared to other cities and towns of Rajasthan it is not too hot. Summers can be hot (April-June) but winters are cool and pleasant (November-February). The cragged hills that surround Alwar protect it from being too hot in summers.

HISTORY
The origin of Alwar city goes back to the time of the Mahabharata. It was a part of the ancient kingdom of Matsya and it is said that legendary Pandava brothers had spent some time of their exile there. The ancient state of Alwar was probably the oldest kingdom in the state of Rajasthan. It is said that the city was founded by a member of the Kachh family hailing from the town of Amber. The local Rajput rulers of Alwar had a sweet-bitter relation with the rulers of Delhi in the early medieval period and there was a constant struggle to take control of Alwar. As Alwar was located at a strategic place, the Mughals annexed it and used it to mount military campaigns against the erstwhile Rajput principalities and states. The decline of the Mughal rule saw a brief struggle between Jat and Rajput rulers. Later Pratap Singh, a noble, restored parity in 1775. The descendents of Pratap Singh were great patrons of art and under their rule Alwar became an important cultural center. The later rulers forged an alliance with the British that soon broke off, with the latter taking over Alwar.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS
The Bala Quila (Fort) and the sprawling city palace complex or Viney Vilas Mahal are main tourist attractions of Alwar. The lake beside the city palace is a good tourist spot. The government museum is located within the city palace complex. The tomb of Tarang Sultan is another place to visit.

PLACES AROUND ALWAR
The town of Silisher, famous for its lake, palace lies 20 km southwest of Alwar. Twelve kilometers from Alwar is the small hill fort of Kesroli. Seventy-five kilometers north of Alwar is the popular restored fort palace of Neemrana. The thickly wooded Sariska Tiger Reserve is 37 km from Alwar. The picturesque Jai Samand Lake lies 6 km from Alwar.

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